Spring Again Poems

Elizabeth St. Jacques is a writer and poet living in Sault Ste. Marie,
Ontario.

Brewster’s thirteenth collection is like spring itself—each poem
unfolds slowly and gently to encourage quiet contemplation, rewarding
the reader with a sense of discovery. Even when humorous or witty, this
poet’s work contains a depth that is not easily ignored. All of which
makes for an entertaining and stimulating read.

Given that the first two sections are entitled “Garden Cantos” and
“Nausicaa Cantos,” it’s fitting that the author concentrates on
Ezra Pound, his Cantos, his life. These poems clearly establish
Brewster’s depth of thought, her open-mindedness. While sympathizing
with Pound’s political stand, she says (in “Poetry and Politics”),
“in the end I don’t want / the perfect state / or the perfect leader
/ or the perfect church / or the perfect poem,” adding that “there
may be perfection in the seventh heaven, / but I aspire only to the
third.”

Brewster’s calm, candid, compassionate attitudes are refreshing and
inspiring. For example, the “Second Spring” section deals with her
visit to New Zealand, revealing its pros and cons. However, “Perfect
Places” makes clear that New Zealand is no better or worse than
Canada: “There is poetry in both. / There are deer in woods. / There
are mountains / some kindness,” she says.

Back in Canada the author is “Reading Rushdie.” His infamous
Satanic Verses is not what Brewster expected: “It owes less to the
Koran / than to The Arabian Nights,” she says. The book stirs her to
question: “Do we create / from within ourselves / the gods, devils,
angels / we deserve?”

Peeking through this garden of sophisticated thought are poetic
blossoms that draw an instant smile. Brewster’s humor is not the
knee-slapping kind; rather, it gently nudges while delivering a message
of importance. “Family Christmas” and “Reading the Koran” are
special treats.

Philosophical, discerning, and delightfully devilish, Brewster suggests
that tolerance for an imperfect world is where true “freedom blows
with the wind,” where Spring Again will clearly unfold. She just may
convince you.